fix
fix / fiks/ • v. [tr.] 1. [tr.] fasten (something) securely in a particular place or position: fix the clamp on a rail the upper jaw of an amphibian is firmly fixed to the skull. ∎ fig. lodge or implant (an idea, image, or memory) firmly in a person's mind: he turned back to fix the scene in his mind.2. (fix something on/upon) direct one's eyes, attention, or mind steadily or unwaveringly toward: I fixed my attention on the tower. ∎ [intr.] (fix on/upon) (of a person's eyes, attention, or mind) be directed steadily or unwaveringly toward: her gaze fixed on Jess. ∎ attract and hold (a person's attention or gaze): their taut relationship fixes your attention. ∎ (fix someone with) look at someone unwaveringly: she fixed her nephew with an unwavering stare.3. mend; repair: you should fix that shelf. ∎ (fix something up) do the necessary work to improve or adapt something: we want to fix up the house before we sell it. ∎ make arrangements for (something); organize: he's sent her on ahead to fix things up I've fixed it for you to see him on Thursday. ∎ inf. restore order or tidiness to (something, esp. one's hair, clothes, or makeup): Laura was fixing her hair. ∎ inf. prepare or arrange for the provision of (food or drink): they were fixing him breakfast Ruth fixed herself a cold drink. ∎ (fix someone up) inf. arrange for someone to have something; provide someone with something: I'll fix you up with a room. ∎ (fix someone up) inf. arrange for someone to meet or go out with someone in order to help them establish a romantic relationship. ∎ (be fixing to do something) inf. be intending or planning to do something: you're fixing to get into trouble.4. decide or settle on (a specific price, date, course of action, etc.): no date has yet been fixed for a hearing the rent will be fixed at $600 a month [intr.] their thinking then seemed fixed on conventional projects. ∎ discover the exact location of (something) by using radar or visual bearings or astronomical observation: he fixed his position. ∎ settle the form of (a language). ∎ assign or determine (a person's liability or responsibility) for legal purposes: there are no facts that fix the defendant with liability.5. make (something) permanent or static in nature: the rate of interest is fixed for the life of the loan. ∎ make (a dye, photographic image, or drawing) permanent. ∎ Biol. preserve or stabilize (a specimen) with a chemical substance prior to microscopy or other examination: specimens were fixed in buffered formalin. ∎ (of a plant or microorganism) assimilate (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) by forming a nongaseous compound: lupines fix gaseous nitrogen in their root nodules.6. inf. influence the outcome of (something, esp. a race, contest, or election) by illegal or underhanded means: the foundation denies fixing races. ∎ put (an enemy or rival) out of action, esp. by killing them: don't you tell nobody, or I'll fix you good!7. inf. [intr.] take an injection of a narcotic drug.8. castrate or spay (an animal); neuter.• n. 1. [in sing.] inf. a difficult or awkward situation from which it is hard to extricate oneself; a predicament: how on earth did you get into such a fix?2. inf. a dose of a narcotic drug to which one is addicted: he hadn't had his fix. ∎ fig. a thing or activity that gives a person a feeling of euphoria or pleasure and that it is difficult to do without: that rush of adrenaline that is the fix of the professional newsman.3. inf. a solution to a problem, esp. one that is hastily devised or makeshift: representatives trying to find cheap fixes to meet their obligations.See also quick fix.4. a position determined by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observations.5. [in sing.] inf. a dishonest or underhanded arrangement: obviously, his appointment was a fix.PHRASES: get a fix on determine the position of (something) by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation. ∎ inf. assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of: it is hard to get a fix on their ages.DERIVATIVES: fix·a·ble / ˈfiksəbəl/ adj.
fix
get a fix on assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of. From the action of determining the position of an aircraft, ship, or body of troops by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation.
see also a great gulf fixed.
fix
Hence sb. (orig. U.S.) XIX. So fixation XIV. — medL. fixity XVII. fixture XVII. alt. of †fixure (XVII) — late L. fixūra.